Suspension system for shoes comprised of carbon fiber springs and other components.

ABSTRACT

A new self-contained energy transfer system for shoes, which absorbs stores and releases energy and can be adapted to any footwear; engineered to provide the correct biomechanical sequence of events during the gait cycle, eliminating the need for a flexible articulation of the shoe at the toe break. 
     It is composed of two reactionary plates attached at the toe end and open at the heel end. Between the top reaction plate and the lower reaction plate is a series of lineally arched progressively resistant spring components. The toe end of the inner component functions as a fulcrum for the reaction plates as they are fastened together at the heel end which places the complete unit in tension. Tensioning the unit removes any play or slack within the components providing an efficient energy transfer system; the same principle as stringing an archer&#39;s bow.

Please provide a 5-15 word description of what your invention is or does.

Suspension system for shoes comprised of carbon fiber springs and other components.

Do any of the following statements apply to your invention? The invention was known or used in the U.S. before I invented it. The invention was patented or published anywhere in the world before I invented it. The invention has been in public use or on sale in the U.S. for over one year. The invention was patented or published anywhere in the world more than one year ago.

No

Why are you seeking patent protection? Check all that apply

I want to make and sell my invention.

I want to prevent my competitors from making, using, and selling my invention.

I want to receive credit for my invention for personal or professional reasons.

Did you invent your invention alone, or with the help of others?

I invented the invention alone.

Which of the following statements describes the ownership of the invention?

I (we) own all the rights to the invention.

Please select the one category that best describes your invention.

Mechanical device or system

Please describe the problem that your invention solves.

When walking and running human feet strike the ground and are impacted by a ground reaction force equal to their body mass x their velocity. Shoes provide some protection and comfort by absorbing part of this force but often not enough to avoid discomfort, fatigue, and/or injury to the body.

Please briefly describe how your invention solves this problem.

My invention is a carbon fiber suspension system which can be incorporated into the soles of shoes. My invention increases the amount of the ground reaction force a user's shoes absorb that otherwise would have to be absorbed by the user's body. The suspension system absorbs stores and releases energy through-out the gait cycle. The system works on the principle of force equals mass times velocity. As the system absorbs force, the velocity of the mass is reduced before it impacts the ground.

In one or two sentences, please describe how your invention is different from anything that currently exists.

My invention is a wholly, self-contained interactive free-floating shared load lineal spring suspension system for shoes comprised of carbon fiber lineal springs and other components which automatically and efficiently distributes applied force from high to low among the components of the system, allowing a smooth, progressive, force reducing, loading and unloading cycle as the user moves through their gait cycle from heel strike, to mid stance, to toe off.

Specifications of Invention

Please list and describe each component of your invention

COMPONENT TREE

All components are made of carbon fiber laminate unless otherwise noted. See FIGS. 1 through 13 below for a diagram illustrating the shape, size, configuration, and assembly, where applicable, of the components.

TABLE 1 Complete System: Ref # Figure # Name Description #1 1 & 13 Energy Assembled system, with internal force System reducing components installed, with #2 pretensioned and fastened together at the heal area using components #6 and #7 to close and fasten #2. In low profile configurations, pretensioning is performed by bonding components #3, #4, #10, #14 and #15 at heel aspect (see FIG. 13).

TABLE 2 Assembled Chassis of Energy System: Ref # Figure # Name Description #2 2 Chassis #3 and #4 bound together at the toe aspect Frame of the frame using binding material #5 and polyadhesive glue.

TABLE 3 Chassis Frame Components: Ref # Figure # Name Description #3 3 Foot Distributes force from and transmitted to Reactionary the foot and body. Surface #4 4 Ground Distributes force from and transmitted to Reactionary the ground. Surface #5 5 Binding 38 mm 100% polyester with a thickness of Material 0.5 mm used together with polyadhesive glue to bind various parts together. For example, it is used to connect components #3 and #4 to each other at the toe aspect to create #2. #6 6 Tensioning Bracket on top of #8 with holes on the Connector sides for fastening #7. #7 is fastened to Bracket #6 using a screw and barrel nut. #7 5 Tensioning Elastic strap that fastens around #4 and is Strap pulled tight and attached to #6 to fasten and tension #2 together at the rear portion of #1. #8 6 Tensioning 1 mm plastic spacer on top of #3 and Spacer below #6.

TABLE 4 Internal Force Reducing Components of Energy System: Ref # Figure # Name Description  #9 7 Force Distributes and absorbs force applied from Reducing both #3 and #4. Component #10 8 Force Composed of (2) #12 components mirror Reducing imaged to each other, bound together at Component the ends by #5 and polyadhesive glue Spring #11 9 Force Same as #10, but only has one end of the Reducing mirrored components bound. Open end Component accepts force reducing spring #10. Carrier Spring #12 10 Force Distributes and absorbs force applied from Reducing both #3 and #4. Creates an energy Component bridge and bonding surfaces to stabilize rear and front springs and also reinforces mid-section of #3. #13 8 Force Same as #10 composed of (2) #12 Reducing components mirror imaged to each other, Component bound together at the ends by #5 and Spring polyadhesive glue. #14 11 Heel Force Filler between component #4 and #9. Reducing Allows bonding point to #4 for #10. Made Component from large open cell, light weight Filler orthopedic grade shock absorbing material (Solflex ® Ultra Cloud ®). #15 12 Heel Force Filler between component #3 and #9. Reducing Allows bonding point to #3 for #10. Made Component from large open cell, light weight Cushion orthopedic grade shock absorbing material (Solflex ® Ultra Cloud ®). #18 1 Fastener Self-Adhesive Hook and Loop and/or other flexible material.

Please describe the relationship between the components or elements

The chassis frame (#2) is pre-loaded under tension by the fastening of the heel ends of #3 and #4. While tensioning, the chassis frame conforms around the internal components while using #13 as a fulcrum. The contact points between the chassis and the internal components, and the contact points of the internal components with each other, are bonded to #18. As the chassis (#2) is tensioned, #2 provides compression to the internal components.

The chassis (#2) and the internal components (#5-#15) act together as a complete unit. A complete unit is an Energy System (#1). #1 incorporates an interactive free-floating, shared load system between the chassis and the internal components. #1 is a self-contained unit, pre-loaded under tension. Pre-loading the system creates the most efficient transfer of energy within the system. The same principle is applied when an archer's bow is strung. #1 is designed to progressively reduce, store, and return the force of impact. Impact being when the foot hits the ground.

#1 is a progressive force reducing system engineered with a shared load system between the chassis and the internal components. The internal carbon fiber components and the carbon fiber chassis frame are lineal springs. As the lineal springs compress under load, they elongate. #18 allows elongation and the translation of force amongst the internal components and the chassis. Without a rigid non-yielding connection of the components to each other, they exist in a type of free-floating system. Free-floating allows unhindered, independent functions of the individual components and the chassis, providing efficient energy transfer.

#1's component system allows for an efficient transfer of energy. This transfer of energy is immediate from high to low, obtaining an equilibrium of forces absorbed by #1. Equilibrium allows a smooth, progressive, force rate reduction within the system from the applied force of foot impact. #1 slows down the velocity of foot impact while absorbing the force. The impact force compresses the components of #1. The stored impact force within the compressed system is then released progressively as an energy return to the user during unloading of the system.

In the rear or heel area of #1, are two #9 carbon components which provide a dual function. First, they function as a positioning devise for #10. This positioning allows #10 to function as the center of rotation (the transition axis of heel strike to mid-stance). #10 simulates and is positioned to duplicate the natural bio-mechanical ankle joint. Secondly, the #9 components reinforce #3 and #4 during the initial phase of heel strike.

In the midsection of #1, #12 reinforces #3 during mid-stance and acts as an energy bridge between #10 and #13. #12 also provides a bonding surface for #10 and #13.

In the front section of #1, #13 acts as the main force reducing component from mid-stance to toe off. #13 returns its stored energy to the user towards the completion of toe off. #13 also functions as the fulcrum for #3 and #4 to create tension within #2 when #2 is fastened at the heel end. #13 is positioned to duplicate the natural biomechanical M-P joint.

The open cell structure of #14, #15 and #18 provides a flexible material for force transmission. #14 and #15 also limits the terminal travel of the heel aspect of #3 and #4 at heel strike. #14 and #15 also provide bonding surfaces for #9, #3, #4 and #10.

How does the invention work? Specify how each component or element functions individually to cause the whole invention to perform its desired function.

See Table 5 and 6.

TABLE 5 Function of Components Ref # Function  #1 #1 is designed to progressively reduce, store and return the energy absorbed from foot impact. #1 slows down the velocity of the foot impact force, while absorbing and storing some of the impact force. The impact force compresses the components of #1. The stored impact force within the compressed system is then released as an energy return to the user during unloading of the system.  #2 Functions to provide a chassis for the placement and connection of the internal components; provides pretensioning compression to #1. It absorbs and returns force from and to the foot and body.  #3 Flexes under load and functions to distribute force from and to the foot and body; an anatomical reactionary surface.  #4 Flexes under load and functions to distribute force from and to the ground; a ground reactionary surface.  #5 Functions as a binding material for the force reducing components.  #6 Functions as a connector bracket for tensioning #2  #7 Functions as a tensioning strap for #2  #8 Functions as a spacer between #3 and #6 to reduce sound from friction  #9 Flexes under load and functions to distribute force from and to the foot and body. Reinforces #3 and #4 at heel strike. #10 and #13 Flexes under load and functions to distribute force from and to the foot and body; duplicates anatomical joint axes. #11 Flexes under load and functions to distribute force from and to the foot and body. Carrier component to accept other force reducing component springs such as #10 #12 Flexes under load and functions to distribute force from and to the foot and body; bridges and provides bonding surface for #10 and #13 and reinforces mid-section of #3 and/or #4. #14 Functions as a mounting surface for #10, #9 and #4; limits heel travel and cushions #4 at heel strike #15 Functions as a mounting surface of #10, #9, and #3; limits heel travel and cushions #3 at heel strike.

TABLE 6 How the invention works as the user steps through their gait cycle Gait Load Rear area Middle area Front area Cycle Cycle of #1 of #1 of #1 Heel #1 #2 compresses #2 expands #2 & 13 Strike stores #4 compresses expands energy more quickly than #3 #10 begins to compress #9, #14 & #15 compresses Heel #1 #2 compresses to #2 compresses #2 & #13 Strike stores maximum load compresses to Mid energy #10 compresses to #10 compresses Stance max load to max load #14 & #15 #12 compresses compress #9 reinforces #3 & #4 Mid #1 #2 compressed #2 compressed #2 & #13 Stance stores #10 compressed #10 compressed compressed energy #14 & #15 start to #12 compressed decompress Mid #1 #2 expands #2 expands #2 expands Stance releases #10 expands to toe energy #14 & #15 expands #12 expands off to resting position #13 expands Toe off #1 Returns to Returns to Returns to releases resting resting resting energy position position position Note: Components compress and decompress progressively throughout the gait cycle. Which elements are necessary? Which elements are optional? What elements could be added to make the invention work better?

The general geometry, characteristics, and interrelated functions of the components and the function of the system as a whole remain constant. Implementing the invention for a different class of application (such as a work shoe) may result in reconfiguration, but the general geometry, characteristics, and interrelated functions of the components and the function of the system as a whole remain constant. Examples of changes which may be employed for different implementations in the same application class and/or for different application classes, may include but are not limited to: #1 as a whole and/or its components can be altered in size, i.e., the length, the height, the width and/or position of the apex of the internal lineal springs, and/or length and width and apex of #3 and #4 of #2. Also, the configuration and the number of the internal components can be altered or rearranged. Force reducing components can be nested together—#11 and #10 and/or #10 positioned inside of another #10. Additional cushions and filler components, such as #14 and #15 can be added in additional locations. A different method of pretensioning #2 and connecting #3 and #4 at the heel aspect can be implemented (see FIG. 13). Also the ratio of carbon fibers per mm in relation to the specifics of the carbon manufacturer can be adjusted higher or lower from the stated manufacturer's specifics in components #3, #4, #9, #10, #11, #12 and #13 to modify the force absorbing effects of the components. A higher concentration yields less flexibility and a lower concentration yields more flexibility. Adjusted ratios up to 20% or more, in greater or lower percentages, can be used to customize the system for more or less force reduction. Additional or different reinforcing materials including but not limited to Kevlar, glass fiber, aluminum, or spring metals of various compositions, could be substituted for, or added to the carbon fiber reinforcement material, in some or all of the components. Additional or different matrix materials including but not limited to epoxy resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polysulfonic resin, polyethersulfonic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyetherketone resin, polyetheretherketone resin, aromatic polyamide resin, polyetherimide resin, thermoplastic polyimide resin, or thermoplastic polyurethane could be substituted or added in some or all of the components. It is therefore to be understood that many possible modifications and variations of the configuration of the system and its components maybe necessary and/or can be employed in different application classes, and/or implementations within the same application class, while still retaining the general geometry, characteristics, and interrelated functions of the components and the system as a whole, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that this patent will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.

How would a person make the invention?

They would create molds from the drawings provided. Use a carbon fiber layup with 2-ply, +/−45 degree weaving in a vacuum lamination process with a resin component. The molds produce the shapes of the components and then the components are shaped to dimension for their application and shoe size. Once the components are shaped the assemblies are made by binding, positioning, attaching, gluing, tensioning and fastening the various parts as described above and illustrated in the diagrams.

How can the components or elements be shuffled, interchanged, or reconfigured to cause the invention to perform an identical or similar function?

The general geometry, characteristics, and interrelated functions of the components and the function of the system as a whole remain constant. Implementing the invention for a different class of application (such as a work shoe) may result in reconfiguration, but the general geometry, characteristics, and interrelated functions of the components and the function of the system as a whole remain constant. Examples of changes which may be employed for different implementations in the same application class and/or for different application classes, may include but are not limited to: #1 as a whole and/or its components can be altered in size, i.e., the length, the height, the width and/or position of the apex of the internal lineal springs, and/or length and width and apex of #3 and #4 of #2. Also, the configuration and the number of the internal components can be altered or rearranged. Force reducing components can be nested together—#11 and #10 and/or #10 positioned inside of another #10. Additional cushions and filler components, such as #14 and #15 can be added in additional locations. A different method of pretensioning #2 and connecting #3 and #4 at the heel aspect can be implemented (see FIG. 13). Also the ratio of carbon fibers per mm in relation to the specifics of the carbon manufacturer can be adjusted higher or lower from the stated manufacturer's specifics in components #3, #4, #9, #10, #11, #12 and #13 to modify the force absorbing effects of the components. A higher concentration yields less flexibility and a lower concentration yields more flexibility. Adjusted ratios up to 20% or more, in greater or lower percentages, can be used to customize the system for more or less force reduction. Additional or different reinforcing materials including but not limited to Kevlar, glass fiber, aluminum, or spring metals of various compositions, could be substituted for, or added to the carbon fiber reinforcement material, in some or all of the components. Additional or different matrix materials including but not limited to epoxy resin, polyimide resin, unsaturated polyester resin, polysulfonic resin, polyethersulfonic resin, polycarbonate resin, polyetherketone resin, polyetheretherketone resin, aromatic polyamide resin, polyetherimide resin, thermoplastic polyimide resin, or thermoplastic polyurethane could be substituted or added in some or all of the components. It is therefore to be understood that many possible modifications and variations of the configuration of the system and its components maybe necessary and/or can be employed in different application classes, and/or implementations within the same application class, while still retaining the general geometry, characteristics, and interrelated functions of the components and the system as a whole, without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that this patent will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.

How would a person use this invention? Be specific about the steps involved.

The invention is designed to be manufactured into the sole of a shoe using common manufacturing techniques and adapted to any type of shoe for any specific application; the shoe would then be used for the purpose intended.

Can this invention be used in a different way or another field of technology?

In a modified form it could be adapted to applications that utilize high efficiency shared load lineal spring systems. 

1. That the energy transfer system is an independent unit wholly contained within itself, allowing the unit to achieve its intended purpose while adapted to any type of footwear.
 2. That the system consists of two reactionary plates of a convex and concave curvature attached at the toe end and open at the heel end, serving as a chassis for containment of the inner components.
 3. (canceled)
 4. That the component springs are of two single lineal arches mirrored to each other and bound at the end creating a modified ellipse.
 5. (canceled)
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled) 